Emergency Dental Services in Austin, TX
The Importance of Preparation
Despite how careful you may be, accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to know what to do before you are in an urgent dental situation; that way, you have a plan in place and can act quickly. Your emergency preparations should include a place to go, an action to take, and a sense of security that comes with knowing you’re prepared.
Finding a place to go is easy because you already have us! Our team at Lady Bird Dental is well-equipped for a variety of dental emergencies. And, we always prioritize patients with urgent needs, so you don’t have to wait for an appointment. Your first step is calling us at the first sign of trouble. The sooner you call, the sooner we can see you.
Your next step is to take action to preserve your smile until you can get to our office. Below, we have listed a few common dental emergencies and the best way to handle them. Equipped with the resources necessary to guide your emergency response, you will be able to maintain the mental clarity to take the appropriate actions and ensure the best possible outcome.
Emergency Management Guide
Toothache
A toothache can be caused by a number of things, from a small piece of food caught between your teeth to an infected root. The first step is to rinse your mouth with warm water and use floss in an attempt to dislodge any stuck food particles. If the pain persists, take ibuprofen to help with the discomfort and call us right away.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is an infection in the root of your tooth that has spread to the gum. You may notice an abscess as a pimple-like bump on your gums. These are extremely painful and require immediate attention. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, and fever. If you think you have an abscessed tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Then, call us immediately, so we can get you in for treatment.
Broken Tooth
If you have a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. This is an urgent situation, and you will need to see us as soon as possible. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Treatment may involve bonding, applying a crown, or extracting the tooth—depending on the significance of the damage.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have a tooth that’s been knocked out, it is important to act quickly to maximize the chances of successful re-implantation. First, find the tooth and hold it by the crown (the top part that’s visible in your mouth), being careful not to touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water. Next, try to put the tooth back in its socket. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva. Then, call us right away.
Lost Filling/Crown
If you have lost a filling or crown, it’s important to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, as this can further damage the tooth. Keep the area as clean as possible and contact our office for further instructions.
Soft Tissue Laceration
If you have a cut or laceration on your gums, tongue, or cheek, rinse the wound with warm water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop or if the cut is deep, call our office for urgent assistance. In the event that this emergency occurs after hours, head to the nearest hospital emergency department.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Dentistry
Yes, Lady Bird Dental in Austin offers emergency dentistry for concerns such as a toothache or broken tooth. Contact our team to explain what is happening and ask about an appointment.
You can ask Lady Bird Dental about same-day emergency appointments. Contact the practice to check current availability and discuss your dental concern.
Lady Bird Dental is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Contact our office during these hours to ask about emergency appointment availability at 3115 S Lamar Blvd in Austin.
Let our team know about your concerns when you contact Lady Bird Dental. We welcome patients with dental anxiety, offer laughing gas, and emphasize listening and clear explanations throughout your care.